chapter 16 the best control for human lice and scabies

According to the National Academy of Sciences, most Americans are magnesium deficient, which the academy
says helps to account for high rates of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain, digestive
maladies, stress-related illnesses, chronic fatigue and a number of other ailments.
Americans’ magnesium levels have dropped by half in the last century due to changes in agriculture and diet.
Industrial farming has depleted magnesium from soil and the typical American diet contains much less magnesium
than that of our forefathers. And in fact, the modern American diet with its fat, sugar, salt and protein actually
works to speed up the depletion of magnesium from our bodies.
Interestingly, our focus on getting enough calcium is another factor in decreased magnesium levels. In a delicate
dance of balance, calcium depletes magnesium yet calcium functions best when enough magnesium is present.
Studies indicate that taking a calcium supplement without enough magnesium can increase the shortage of both
nutrients. Researchers have found that many Americans have five times as much calcium as magnesium in their
bodies, although the proper ratio for optimum absorption of both minerals is two to one.
With such widespread magnesium deficiency one might think that magnesium supplements would be called
upon, but studies show that magnesium is not easily absorbed through the digestive track. The presence of
specific foods or drugs, certain medical conditions, and the chemistry of a person’s stomach acid can render
magnesium supplements ineffective. Try using a magnesium-calcium , e.g., Calm Plus Calcium.
Modern medical applications of sulfur include its use as an anti-microbial and anti-bacterial, as a laxative
(magnesium sulfate), as an anti-inflammatory, to prevent convulsions, and in the treatment of dermatitis, scabies,
and various skin disorders such as acne. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a common additive in wine and dried fruits
because of its anti-bacterial qualities. One common misconception about sulfur is that it has a pungent odor.
Sulfur itself is odorless. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), one of sulfur’s more common compounds, does have a very
strong odor (like rotting eggs). Sulfates help our bodies to flush toxins, they improve absorption of nutrients,
help form joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins and they also help prevent or ease migraine headaches.
Seeing how sulfates and magnesium are so beneficial; this brings us to Epsom salt. Known scientifically as
hydrated magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt is rich in both magnesium and sulfate. While both magnesium and
sulfate can be poorly absorbed through the stomach, studies show increased magnesium levels from soaking in
a bath enriched with Epsom salt! Magnesium and sulfates are both easily absorbed through the skin. Sulfates
play an important role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the mucin proteins that line the walls of
the digestive tract. They stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are thought to help detoxify
the body of medicines and environmental contaminants. Studies indicate that sulfates are difficult to absorb from
food, but are readily absorbed through the skin.
Epsom Salt is one of only a few water-soluble sulfate minerals. The medicinal qualities of magnesium sulfate were
first discovered in the mineral waters at Epsom, England and are where the name Epsom is derived. Magnesium
is one of the most important of the essential minerals in the body, and it is commonly deficient in the American
diet. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties and can be absorbed through the skin. Magnesium
sulfate dilates blood vessels, and this property may help prevent further brain injury in stroke victims. A New
England remedy for arthritis is a hot bath of Epsom Salts. The heat of the bath increases circulation and reduces
the pain and swelling of arthritis. Soaking in Epsom Salt soothes tired, aching muscles. This mineral is known to
be helpful in preventing pre-eclampsia (known as toxemia and pregnancy-induced high blood pressure). It is also
used in severe exacerbations of asthma. When given intravenously, it promotes broncho-dilation. When taken
as an injection, magnesium sulfate blunts deep tendon reflexes and a scientific study is underway to determine
what benefit to recovery magnesium sulfate has when it is administered to stroke victims before they reach the
hospital. An infusion of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) given just before delivery to pregnant women at high
risk for preterm birth cut the rate of cerebral palsy among these newborns in half, U.S. researchers reported.
816